The Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has paid a courtesy visit to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace, where plans were unveiled for a major free National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration and renewal exercise in his honour.
The delegation, led by Board Chairman Lawrence Nii Okantey Adjetey and CEO Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe, formed part of an official working tour of the Ashanti Region.
During the meeting, the Asantehene commended the NHIA for expanding healthcare access and strengthening the NHIS, particularly with the inclusion of treatments for serious conditions such as dialysis. He described the scheme as essential for vulnerable populations and urged the Authority to ensure its long-term sustainability by addressing fraud and illegal claims.
He also acknowledged improvements in claims payments to healthcare providers and pharmaceutical suppliers, noting that timely payments are key to rebuilding trust in the system. However, he encouraged the Authority to maintain these gains and intensify efforts to eliminate inefficiencies.
In a show of support, Otumfuo pledged to personally supervise NHIS enrolment at the palace to ensure all staff and their dependents are actively registered.
A major highlight of the visit was the announcement of “King’s Month,” a special initiative marking the Asantehene’s birthday on May 6. According to Dr. Bampoe, the programme will provide free NHIS registration and renewals across the Ashanti Region throughout May, with the usual waiting period waived to allow beneficiaries immediate access to healthcare.
The initiative is expected to register up to one million people, significantly increasing NHIS coverage and improving healthcare access at the community level.
Dr. Bampoe explained that the visit was both symbolic and strategic, aimed at expressing appreciation for the King’s guidance and seeking further direction to improve healthcare delivery. He noted that previous engagements with the Asantehene have helped the NHIA address persistent issues such as fraudulent claims.
The NHIA leadership also highlighted the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme under John Dramani Mahama, describing it as a transformative policy focused on prevention and strengthening community-based healthcare.
Board Chairman Adjetey reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that steps are being taken to resolve delays in claims payments.
With strong backing from the Asantehene and renewed efforts by the NHIA, the “King’s Month” campaign is expected to significantly boost enrolment and reinforce the NHIS as a vital support system for millions of Ghanaians.
Source: 3news
